Roaming rates between Nam, Bots slashed
Namibians travelling to Botswana can now enjoy massively reduced roaming charges, following high-level talks between the Namibian Minister of Information and Communication Technology and her Botswana counterpart.The new roaming tariffs, which are expected to boost cross-border communication and strengthen ties between the two countries, came into effect in August.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) officially directed the two countries' mobile network operators namely Telecom Namibia and MTC, and Botswana Telecommunications Corporation, Mascom Wireless and Orange Botswana respectively to cut roaming charges.
In a media release, the MICT said that by making communication more affordable, the two countries are not only strengthening bilateral relations, but also fostering greater economic opportunities, especially for businesses and travellers.
“This initiative is a testament to the MICT's commitment to delivering affordable communication services to all Namibians and it will have a positive impact on trade, tourism and cross-border connectivity," the MICT said.
The reduced roaming charges are part of a broader push to harmonise mobile communication costs across the Southern African Development Community. The hope is that it will pave the way for more regional agreements aimed at cutting mobile costs throughout the region.
Calls within Botswana between mobile operators Orange and MTC have been reduced by 75%, from P7.28 to P1.85, while calls to Namibia that previously cost P10.48 per minute, will now only cost P3.80. Data roaming costs previously set you back P19.41 per MB but thanks to a 90% saving, will only cost P1.85 per MB.
Calls between BTC and TN Mobile within Botswana previously cost P8.69 per minute and thanks to an 80% saving, will now only cost P1.77 per minute, while calls to Namibia have been reduced by 62% from P9.69 to P3.68. Data cost P27.51 per MB in the past, but it will now cost only P1.77 per MB.